Jazz Band features Swing dancing lessons (Courtesy/Ridah A. and Maria M.)

Against a background of Veterans Day decorations, spotlights flashed on Jazz Band’s brass instruments as friends and families danced to soulful tunes in the Dining hall on Friday, November 10.

Before the performance, qualified instructors from around Columbus demonstrated how swing dance moves followed by the Lindy Hop as Jazz Band played a few favorites including Footloose, La La Land, and Love N’ Dancing.

At 7:30 p.m., the band played Glenn Miller’s classic, “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “João Gilberto,” Stan Getz’s “So Danco Samba,” ending with Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing.” Senior Alaina W. sang Vera Lynn’s “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” Harry James’ “It’s Been a Long Long Time” (featured at the end of Avengers: Endgame), and Dean Martin’s “Sway.” 

The Jazz Band differs from Academy’s traditional Band ensemble with its sporadic solos that happen throughout the performance. Band director, Ms. Sneeringer, cues a musician to stand up to or to improvise a scripted solo. Impressive players included trumpets Maria M., Tanner S., and Emma S. on trumpets, Max B. and Lucy I. on alto saxophones, Kate C. on clarinet and tenor saxophone, along with  pianists Patrick F. and eighth-graderJude S. and drummer, Reed S. 

Trumpeter Ridah A. said, “Jazz Band has been an amazing experience. This is my first year, and I really enjoy playing with my peers. They make coming early to school something that I look forward to rather than dread, and I’m excited to learn new music and for future concerts. Having the audience dance while we played made it such a fun and joyful experience!”